In 1897 news of a gold strike in the Canadian Yukon reached Seattle, triggering a stampede North to the Klondike Gold Fields. From 1897 to 1898, tens of thousands of people from across the United States and around the world descended upon Seattle's commercial district.

While in Seattle, the hopeful miners purchased millions of dollars of food, clothing, equipment, pack animals, and steamship tickets. The final outcome of this great stampede helped shape the Seattle we know today, bolstering the city's reputation as the Queen City of the Pacific Northwest.

 Directions 

Plane - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is located approximately 10 miles South of the park. Public transportation is available to Seattle and other points in the metropolitan area.

Car - Take the James Street exit from I-5. Proceed down the hill and turn left at Second Avenue, then veer right onto S. Washington Street. One block to your left is Occidental Park; Klondike Gold Rush NHP Visitor Center is located one block south of Washington, on the opposite side of Occidental Park, at 117 South Main Street.

Street parking in front of the visitor center is not recommended; there are only four metered slots that are often taken during regular business hours. The staff recommends that you either park on another block, such as S. Washington St., or at one of the public lots that are immediately adjacent to the park. Parking meters are free on Sundays and major holidays.

Public Transportation - Pioneer Square is serviced by several METRO bus routes. The waterfront street car al